FIBA Clears NBAers to Play Abroad During Lockout

The biggest hold-up between NBA players potentially playing overseas is no longer an issue. Via FIBA: “FIBA has confirmed it will approve the transfer of players under contract with the NBA deciding to play for clubs of FIBA affiliated leagues during the on-going lockout. During a lockout NBA players who continue to be under contract with an NBA team are free to play anywhere they want, whether for their national teams and/or for club teams. If an NBA player requests to play for a club of a FIBA affiliated league, the NBA will not object but will state that the player will have to return to his NBA team as soon as the lockout ends. Consequently, FIBA will deliver a letter of clearance subject to the receipt of a declaration signed by the player, stating that he will return to his NBA team when the lockout is over. ‘As the world governing body for basketball, we strongly hope that the labour dispute will be resolved as soon as possible, and that the NBA season is able to begin as scheduled,’ said FIBA Secretary General and IOC member, Patrick Baumann. ‘In view of our role to promote basketball worldwide, we support any player wishing to play the game, wherever and whenever. We do so while obviously making the interests, rights and obligations of all parties into account,’ he added. ‘We are delighted to see that, in spite of widespread doubts related to the lockout, National Teams competing in this summer’s Olympic Qualifiers will be able to count on the participation of most of their NBA stars.’ Any NBA player deciding to play during the lockout, does so at his own risk, notably if he sustains an injury.”